Just for Fun Friday: Jessica the Hippo

I posted this video on Twitter a few weeks ago. It is the adorable story of a semi-domesticated hippopotamus named “Jessica.” It’s amazing that Jessica is so docile around humans when she is, in fact, a completely wild animal. She is free to go as she chooses and is able to socialize with both humans and other hippos. I suspect this is even more impressive with how dangerous hippos are known to be. I’ve heard it said that they kill more humans in Africa each year than all other animals combined (e.g., Lions, Crocodiles, etc.). Apparently they often kill humans because they are protective of their territory. The combination of a territorial attitude, huge tusks, strong jaws, a few tons of weight, and surprising speed is a dangerous mix.